What Omaha Residents Should Know About Sciatica

Are you suffering from sciatica pain? It is a common problem in the U.S. and one that an Omaha chiropractor sees often. For some people, it is nothing more than an annoyance, especially when it first appears. Over time, the pain may become intermittent, getting worse when left untreated. For many, it will eventually be chronic and debilitating. If you have back pain, learn more about sciatica and getting treatment at a chiropractor in Omaha for it.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a medical condition defined by pain radiating down the path of the sciatic nerve. This is the longest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back over the hip joint, under the buttock muscles and down each leg. Typically, sciatica pain affects just one side of the body.

The pain of sciatica is confusing because it may feel like it originates in your leg or calf, but it really starts in your lower back, where at least one vertebra is compressing on that large nerve.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

People with sciatica experience pain in the lower back that radiates down to the calf. You may feel discomfort anywhere along that nerve path. The level of pain varies by person. It may feel like an electric shock that runs down your leg and gets worse when you cough or sneeze. It can flare up after long periods of sitting, as well. You may experience a numbing sensation in your foot or calf, too.

What Causes Sciatica?

The pain comes from a misalignment of the vertebrae in your lower back that is compressing the nerve. It may also be due to a spasm of the piriformis muscle, a pelvic misalignment or a combination of all of them. The cause of the misalignment varies, but it may be due to injury or a bone spur.piriformis muscle, a pelvic misalignment or a combination of all of them. The cause of the misalignment varies, but it may be due to injury or a bone spur.

How Will the Chiropractor in Omaha Treat Sciatica?

Our chiropractor in Omaha starts by looking for the underlying source of your pain. This is very critical, because there can be a serious medical problem at the heart of it such as a tumor on the spine or chronic illness like diabetes. Our doctors do a comprehensive history, thermal scan, full examination that includes neurologic, orthopedic and chiropractic tests and imaging.

For most patients, the care plan will require multiple visits and treatments. The recovery time depends on a number of factors such as your overall health, the condition of your spine and how long you have had the pain.

The effect of long-term sciatica is more serious than you might realize. The sciatic nerve serves as a communication conduit for many of your vital organs, so finding the problem and fixing it is essential. If you are suffering from sciatica pain, let us help. Give us a call at (402)778-5470 to make an appointment.